WO2003027499A2

WO2003027499A2 - Rotating propulsion device

Info

Publication number: WO2003027499A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/029763
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Fitzgerald
Original assignee: David Fitzgerald
Priority date: 2001-09-22
Filing date: 2002-09-19
Publication date: 2003-04-03
Also published as: WO2003027499A3; AU2002326988A1

Abstract

A propulsion device which takes advantage of the fact that the mass of an object will decrease if the energy density of the object changes rapidly. The energy density is changed by causing rapid changes in stress on the bonds between the atoms of the object. By this means, the mass of a rotating (20) object is decreased to one side of its axis of rotation, creating an unbalanced centrifugal force that acts on the rotating object as a propulsive force in the direction from the lower mass half toward the higher mass half. The propulsive force is used to propel an object or hold an object in position in opposition to an outside force or provide mechanical energy for a purpose such as the generation of electricity.

Description

ROTATING PROPULSION DEVICE

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for providing a propulsive force and more specifically to such an apparatus in which elements of a rotating object are caused to experience a mass decrease during part of the rotational period in order to create an imbalance of forces that results in propulsion.

Description of the Prior Art

Commonly used methods of propulsion rely on Newton's third law of motion. The third law of motion is often stated as: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The principle can be seen in action as an aircraft moves forward by pushing air backward, as the tires of an automobile push the Earth in one direction causing the automobile to move in the opposite direction or as an exhaust of burnt propellant fired in a downward direction from a rocket engine sends a spacecraft upward.

The propulsion strategy of this invention is also based on the third law of motion but not through an interaction with nearby matter. Dr. James Woodward, in papers such as Rapid Spacetime Transport and Machian Mass Fluctuations: Theory and Experiment, published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as AIAA-2001-3908 has been able to show that it is possible to reduce the mass of an object by rapidly changing the energy density of that object. This induced mass decrease relies on the identity of inertia, as set forth in Mach's Principle, as being an effect of the gravitational force of all the matter in the universe acting on an object.

Dr. Woodward has experimentally achieved a mass decrease of approximately ten percent in a specially designed group of piezoelectric elements that are quickly charged and discharged. The present invention makes use of this effect in a rotating device.

Objects and Advantages

The objects and advantages of this invention are: a. To provide a method of propulsion which does not include the forceful expulsion of an expendable reaction mass; b. To provide a method of propulsion which does not require an interaction with nearby matter; c. To provide a method of propulsion which does not expel waste products into the local environment.; d. To provide a method of propulsion which functions in an atmosphere, underwater, or in a vacuum; and e. To provide a method of propulsion which can be employed to generate electricity.

Summary of the Invention

Dr. Woodward made the assumption, suggested by Mach's principle, that the local energy density of mater is equal to the local mass density multiplied by the scalar gravitational potential. The result of this is that an object's energy density can be manipulated in order to change its mass. The equation Dr. Woodward derived to show an object's change in mass density is: p, * po + (l/4πG)[(φ/p₀c²)(δ²po/δt²) - (φ/p₀c²)²(δpo/δt)²] p_t = time dependant matter density po = rest mass density

G = Newton's constant of universal gravitation φ = gravitational scalar potential c = vacuum speed of light t = time

The term (φ/p₀c )(δ²po/δt²) causes both an increase and a decrease in the time dependent matter density of an object. The increases and decreases eliminate each other over time so this term doesn't have a significant influence on the present invention. The term (φ/poc )²(δpo/δt)² is subtracted from the rest mass density of the object. The square of the changing mass density shown as (δp₀/δt) is always positive so subtracting this term always leads to a decrease in the object's time dependent mass density. The equation shows that by rapidly changing the mass density of an object, the mass of the object will cycle between its rest mass and a lower mass. The average of the object's mass over time would be less than the rest mass of the object.

The propulsive force is achieved in this invention, by way of Newton's third law, in an exchange of momentum between a rotating object and other matter in the universe, chiefly distant matter. Mass fluctuation is caused to occur within elements of a rotating object. For the simplest embodiment, each mass changing element of the rotating object will possess its rest mass for half of each rotation, then for the other half of each rotation, a decreased time averaged mass is induced in each mass changing element. For example, all mass changing elements of the rotating object could retain their rest mass during the part of the rotation period when they are to the left of the axis of rotation. As each element rotates into the area right of the axis, it is given a decreased average mass which is maintained until the element once more rotates into the area left of the axis of rotation. This results in a propulsive force that would tend to move the rotating object in the direction of the greatest centrifugal force. Centrifugal force acts outward from the axis of the rotating object. Both halves of the rotating object have the same radial acceleration so the centrifugal force on the half of the rotating object having rest mass will be greater than the centrifugal force on the half of the object having decreased mass. The propulsive force would be in the direction from the lower mass half to the higher mass half (to the left in the example above). This invention changes the energy density of an object by causing compressive and tensile stress in the material of the object. Stress changes the length of chemical bonds that connect atoms, changing energy density. The stress is caused by using electric or magnetic fields. Other methods of changing the energy density of an object are possible. For the greatest reduction in mass, it is important that both the magnitude of energy density change and the rate of energy density change are as large as possible.

This invention could propel any object. It could propel vehicles such as automobiles, boats, aircraft or spacecraft. Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a propulsion device employing a rotating dielectric disk with electrodes above and below it. Figure 2 shows a propulsion device employing a rotating dielectric disk and electrodes having many segments that can be individually charged and discharged.

Figure 3 shows a propulsion device employing a rotating, hollow dielectric cylinder surrounded by segmented electrodes and enclosing segmented electrodes.

Figure 4 shows a disk shaped propulsion device with many elements above and below it that can create magnetic fields.

Figure 5 shows a disk shaped propulsion device containing many energy storage devices. Figure 6 shows an elastic cylinder and a substantially non-elastic cylinder.

Figure 7 shows a rotating elastic cylinder in contact with a rotating, substantially non-elastic cylinder.

Figure 8 is a top view of a large rotating elastic cylinder in contact with many smaller rotating cylinders. Figure 9 is a top view of a propulsion device with many rods that rapidly push into and pull out of a rotating elastic cylinder.

Figure 10 is a top view of a rotating cylinder with many magnetic segments around its rim and an arc of magnetic elements.

Figure 11 is a top view of a rotating cylinder with many pockets around its rim that contain an elastic material.

Figure 12 shows a rotating elastic disk with many small magnetic inclusions (not shown) positioned between two semicircular plates that contain electromagnets. Figure 13 shows a propulsion device composed of two variables mass devices on a rotating bar.

Figure 14 shows a device for generating electricity in which two propulsion devices provide rotational motion to turn the shaft of an electric generator.

Reference Numerals in Drawings

20 dielectric disk 44 rod 21 drive shaft 45 magnetic element

22 upper electrode 46 magnetic segment

23 lower electrode 47 arc

24 electric power source 48 piezoelectric element

25 segmented upper electrode 49 cylinder with pockets 26 segmented lower electrode 50 pocket

27 outer cylindrical electrode 51 partition

28 inner cylindrical electrode 52 cap

29 hollow dielectric cylinder 53 fill material

30 electric motor 54 disk with magnetic particles

31 magnetic disk 55 upper plate

32 upper disk 56 lower plate

33 lower disk 57 beam

34 electromagnet 58 first variable mass device 35 rotating disk 59 second variable mass device

36 electromagnetic storage device 60 turntable 37 elastic cylinder 61 electric generator shaft

38 cylinder 62 first propulsion device

39 shaft 63 second propulsion device

40 second shaft 64 electric generator

41 second electric motor

42 small cylinder

43 rod base

Detailed Descriptions of the Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows a propulsion device which takes advantage of the fact that an electric field passing through a dielectric material causes energy to be stored in the dielectric material. The energy density in different parts of the dielectric depends on the magnitude of the electric field passing through each point. The propulsive force will come about because of rapid changes in energy density with a resultant decrease in the mass of a portion of a rotating dielectric object. In figure 1, a drive shaft 39 is attached to a dielectric disk 20 and an electric motor 30. Dielectric disk 20 can be made of any material, including a piezoelectric material, that stores energy when exposed to an electric field. When given power through wires from an electric power source 24, electric motor 30 turns drive shaft 39 causing dielectric disk 20 to rotate between an upper electrode 22 and a lower electrode 23. Only half of dielectric disk 20 is between upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23. The supporting structure for upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23 is not shown. Electric power source 24 is connected by wire to upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23. Electric power source 24 produces an alternating current that causes the electric potentials of upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23 to vary in opposition to each other. The waveform of the current produced by electric power source 24 could be sinusoidal or saw tooth or any other shape that causes the electric potential difference between upper electrode 22 and lower electrode to rapidly change. The rapidly changing electric potential difference results in a rapidly changing electric field passing through dielectric disk 20, and therefore, the energy density of the half of dielectric disk 20 that is passing between upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23 at any time rapidly changes.

The rapidly changing energy density of half of dielectric disk 20 causes the time averaged mass of that half of dielectric disk 20 to decrease. Because dielectric disk 20 is rotating, each portion of dielectric disk 20 will possess its rest mass for half of the rotational period and a lower mass for the other half of the rotational period. Centrifugal force will be greatest in the direction from the lower mass half of dielectric disk 20 to the higher mass half. Dielectric disk 20 would experience a propulsive force that is in general toward the rear and left of figure 1. Physical structures that are not shown connect electric motor 30, upper electrode 22, lower electrode 23 and electric power source 24 so that the entire device shown in figure 1 would experience the propulsive force.

The direction of the propulsive force can be altered by turning upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23 clockwise or counter clockwise in unison. If upper electrode 22 and lower electrode 23 are both rotated 90 degrees about drive shaft 39, the direction of the force will change by 90 degrees.

Figure 2 Another method of directing the propulsive force is shown in Figure 2. A segmented upper electrode 25 and a segmented lower electrode 26 are each divided into eight wedges. Supporting structure is not shown. Dielectric disk 20 is between segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26. Drive shaft 39 is connected to dielectric disk 20 but passes through openings in segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26. Electric motor 30 (power source not shown) causes dielectric disk 20 to rotate on drive shaft 39. Each wedge in segmented upper electrode 25 and in segmented lower electrode 26 is connected by wire to an electric power source that is not shown. To cause a propulsive force, four contiguous wedges in segmented upper electrode 25 are given an electric potential that alternates with the electric potential given to the four contiguous wedges that are directly below them in segmented lower electrode 26. As in figure 1, half of rotating dielectric disk 20 is exposed to a rapidly changing electric field, causing a time averaged decrease in mass to the half of dielectric disk 20 that is within the electric field at each point in time. The direction of propulsion is from the lower mass half to the half having rest mass. The direction of propulsion is altered by giving the varying electric potentials to a different group of four contiguous wedges in segmented upper electrode 25 and the four wedges in segmented lower electrode 26 beneath them.

Figure 2 - Alternative Embodiments

Segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 are each composed of eight wedges in figure 2. This number of wedges limits the amount of direction change for the propulsive force to no less than 45 degrees. A greater number of smaller wedges could be used to give finer control over the direction of the propulsive force. Wedges are a convenient shape for the segments in figure 2. Other shapes for the segments could be used.

In figure 2, as dielectric disk 20 moves within the electric field produced by segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 it will be affected by a magnetic field. Polarization charges on dielectric disk 20 will interact with the electric field produced by segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 to produce a magnetic field that will act as a brake and slow the rotation of dielectric disk 20. The braking action can be substantial but can be combated. It isn't necessary that dielectric disk 20 rotate with respect to segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26. Segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 could be attached to drive shaft 39 so that segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 would rotate along with dielectric disk 20. Electric power connections from an electric power source would be routed through drive shaft 39. As before, alternating electric power would be given to segments of segmented upper electrode 25 and segmented lower electrode 26 at times in the rotational period when it would cause a propulsive force in the desired direction.

Figure 3

In figure 3, a hollow dielectric cylinder 29 rotates between an outer cylindrical electrode 27 and an inner cylindrical electrode 28. Outer cylindrical electrode 27 and inner cylindrical electrode 28 are each made of many segments. Hollow dielectric cylinder 29 is caused to rotate by an electric motor that is not shown. In order to cause a propulsive force, those sections of outer cylindrical electrode 27 and inner cylindrical electrode 28 that are on the opposite half of hollow dielectric cylinder 29 from the intended direction of the propulsive force are given alternating electric potentials so that the half of hollow dielectric cylinder 29 rotating between those segments of outer cylindrical electrode 27 and inner cylindrical electrode 28 experiences a rapidly changing electric field and therefore a rapidly changing energy density. The changing energy density causes that half of hollow dielectric cylinder 29 passing through the electric field to have a reduced time averaged mass. As in figures 1 and 2, centrifugal force will cause a propulsive force directed from the lower mass half of hollow dielectric cylinder 29 to the higher mass half.

Steering of the force is accomplished by the choice of which segments of outer cylindrical electrode 27 and inner cylindrical electrode 28 are given the alternating electric potentials.

Figure 4

In figures 1, 2 and 3, a rapidly changing electric field passes through a dielectric material. A disk or cylinder made of a material that changes energy density when exposed to a magnetic field could also be used. Such a magnetic material could be ferromagnetic, such as iron, or paramagnetic or diamagnetic. Materials which exhibit a magnetoresistive effect or a magnetocaloric effect could be used. In figure 4, a magnetic disk 31 is attached to drive shaft 39, which is connected to electric motor 30. An electric current delivered to electric motor 30 through wires that are not shown causes electric motor 30 to turn drive shaft 39 so that magnetic disk 31 is caused to rotate. Magnetic disk 31 rotates between an upper disk 32 and a lower disk 33. Upper disk 32 and lower disk 33 are not attached to drive shaft 39. Upper disk 32 and lower disk 33 contain many examples of an electromagnet 34. An electric power source that is not shown provides electric power to electromagnets 34 in one half of upper disk 32 and the corresponding half of lower disk 33 so that the set of electromagnets 34 above and below half of magnetic disk 31 creates a rapidly changing magnetic field that interacts with magnetic disk 31. The rapidly changing magnetic field causes a rapid change in energy density and therefore a time averaged decrease in mass for the half of magnetic disk 31 that is passing through the magnetic field at any time. The direction of the propulsive force would be from the lower mass half of magnetic disk 31 to the higher mass half.

Figure 5

In figure 5, a rotating disk 35 and drive shaft 39 are caused to rotate by electric motor 30. Rotating disk 35 is shown as being transparent so that it can be seen to contain many examples of an electromagnetic storage device 36. Rotating disk 35 is made of a material that can support electromagnetic storage devices 36 and can withstand high rotation speeds. Electromagnetic storage device 36 could be any device, such as a capacitor or an inductor, which stores energy when exposed to an electric current. Through connections that are not shown, each electromagnetic storage device 36 is connected to an electric power source. The electric power source can quickly give energy to selected electromagnetic storage devices 36 then quickly take the energy away. This causes each electromagnetic storage device 36 to have a time averaged mass that is lower than the rest mass for the time during which its energy density is rapidly changed. Propulsion is achieved when electromagnetic storage devices 36 are caused to have lower mass in the half of rotating disk 35 that is in the opposite direction of the intended propulsive force. For example, rotating disk 35 would experience a propulsive force to the right in figure 5 if electromagnetic storage devices 36 in the left half of rotating disk 35 are being rapidly charged an discharged. As electromagnetic storage devices 36 rotate out of the left half of rotating disk 35, the electric current allowing then to operate is stopped. At the same time, electromagnetic storage devices 36 that rotate into the left half of rotating disk 35 are given the changing electric current that causes their mass to decrease. Centrifugal force causes a propulsive force that acts on rotating disk 35 and electromagnetic storage devices 36. Since electromagnetic storage devices 36 are part of rotating disk 35, the propulsive force at any point in time is in the direction from the half of rotating disk 35 containing the lower mass electromagnetic storage devices 36 toward the half of rotating disk 35 containing the higher mass electromagnetic storage devices 36. Each electromagnetic storage device 36 could also be composed of an inductor and a capacitor that are electrically connected to each other. Each inductor and the capacitor that it is paired with constitute a resonant circuit with the power source. As a resonant circuit, an oscillating electric current can be established between the capacitor and the inductor of each capacitor inductor pair. A resonant frequency current from the power source causes the capacitor and the inductor to quickly alternate in storing and releasing energy. This causes the time averaged mass of a capacitor inductor pair to decrease. As before, the mass lowering effect would be caused to occur, at any one time, in the electromagnetic storage devices 36 in half of rotating disk 35. The propulsive force would once again be from the low mass half to the high mass half of rotating disk 35. Figure 6

In figure 6, two cylinders sit side by side. An elastic cylinder 37 is made of a material that deforms more easily under mechanical stress than the material of a cylinder 38. The material of elastic cylinder 37 should be elastic in nature so that it regains its original shape after mechanical stress is released.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows elastic cylinder 37 attached to a shaft 39. Shaft 39 is caused to turn by an electric motor 30. Rotation of shaft 39 causes elastic cylinder 37 to rotate. Cylinder 38 is attached to a second shaft 40. Second shaft 40 is caused to turn by a second electric motor 41. Rotation of second shaft 40 causes cylinder 38 to rotate. It is important that elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 rotate as rapidly as physically possible. The circular arrows show that elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 rotate in opposite directions. Elastic cylinder 37 is deformed by centrifugal force and expands to touch cylinder 38. To limit friction, the rate of rotation of each cylinder is gauged so that the rims of the two cylinders are moving at the same speed in the area where they touch. The expansion of elastic cylinder 37 results in a decrease in its mass density. Material at the rim of elastic cylinder 37 feels a larger centrifugal force than material near the axis so the density is less near the rim, except in areas where elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 are in contact. Throughout the area of contact, the density of that portion of elastic cylinder 37 is changing. The density at the rim of elastic cylinder 37 increases through the first half of the period of contact with cylinder 38 then decreases during the last half of the contact period. The quickly changing mass density shows that the energy density is also changing quickly, causing a time averaged decrease in the mass of elastic cylinder 37, in the area of contact with cylinder 38.

The mass to the left of the axis of elastic cylinder 37 in figure 7 is greater than the mass to the right of the axis. Because elastic cylinder 37 is rotating, a propulsive force will result from the changing mass in part of elastic cylinder 37. A greater centrifugal force will be felt on the left side of elastic cylinder 37 so there will be a propulsive force to the left.

Physical structures that are not shown connect electric motor 30 to second electric motor 41 so that the entire device shown in figure 7 would experience the propulsive force. The direction of the propulsive force can be altered by moving either elastic cylinder 37 or cylinder 38 relative to the other while keeping the two cylinders in contact.

It is assumed above that elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 in figure 6 are close enough together that the expansion of elastic cylinder 37 due to centrifugal force would bring elastic cylinder 37 into contact with cylinder 38 as is shown in figure 7. Alternatively, if elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 are not positioned close enough together for centrifugal force to bring the two cylinders into contact, a positioning mechanism that is not shown in figure 7 could move elastic cylinder 37 and cylinder 38 into contact with each other.

Figure 8

Figure 8 shows elastic cylinder 37 in contact with many examples of a small cylinder 42 that are not significantly deformable. Elastic cylinder 37 is attached to shaft 39. Shaft 39 is turning quickly and causes elastic cylinder 37 to rotate. Circular arrows show that small cylinders 42 are spinning in the opposite direction to elastic cylinder 37. Electric motors that cause the rotation of shaft 39 and small cylinders 42 are not shown. As the rim of elastic cylinder 37 passes through the area where it contacts small cylinders 42, the density of the rim rapidly changes. The mass of that portion of the rim of elastic cylinder 37 therefore decreases. As in figure 7, centrifugal force will cause a propulsive force directed from the lower mass half of elastic cylinder 37 toward the higher mass half (toward the left).

Elastic cylinder 37 and small cylinders 42 are linked together by physical structure that is not shown. Steering of the propulsive force is accomplished by moving the group of small cylinders 42 relative to elastic cylinder 37 while keeping elastic cylinder 37 in contact with small cylinders 42.

Figure 9

Figure 9 attempts to achieve the same results as in figure 8. Instead of many small cylinders, many examples of a rod 44 are connected to a rod base 43. Elastic cylinder 37 is attached to shaft 39, which is caused to turn by a motor that is not shown.

Rods 44 extend from rod base 43 to strike the surface of elastic cylinder 37, which is rapidly rotating, and cause a deformation in elastic cylinder 37. Rods 44 can be composed of any solid material and can be caused to strike elastic cylinder 37 by electromagnetic actuators, such as a solenoid or a motor, that are within rod base 43. Rods 44 could also be piezoelectric or piezoelectric in part. In which case, an electric field applied to rods 44 would cause rods 44 to elongate and strike elastic cylinder 37. An electric power source that powers the rotation of elastic cylinder 37 and the motion of rods 44 is not shown.

After making contact with and causing a deformation in elastic cylinder 37, rods 44 then retract away from the surface of elastic cylinder 37. To decrease friction on elastic cylinder 37, it is intended that rods 44 strike elastic cylinder 37 with a velocity component in the direction that elastic cylinder 37 is turning that is equal in magnitude to the velocity of the rim of elastic cylinder 37. As an additional means of decreasing friction, rods 44 are made to lift perpendicularly from the surface of elastic cylinder 37 by rod base 43 before retracting.

Rod base 43 and elastic cylinder 37 are linked together by physical structure that is not shown. Steering of the propulsive force is accomplished by moving rod base 43 relative to elastic cylinder 37 while keeping rod base 43 close enough to elastic cylinder 37 that rods 44 can make contact with elastic cylinder 37.

Figure 10 Figure 10 shows elastic cylinder 37 with many examples of a magnetic segment 46 affixed around the rim. Elastic cylinder 37 is attached to shaft 39. Many examples of a magnetic element 45 are shown to the right of elastic cylinder 37. Magnetic elements 45 are held in place relative to the position of elastic cylinder 37 by an arc 47. Magnetic elements 45 and magnetic segments 46 can be permanent magnets or electromagnets.

An electric motor that is not shown turns shaft 39. Elastic cylinder 37 with the attached magnetic segments 46 are caused to rapidly rotate by shaft 39. A circular arrow indicates rotation of elastic cylinder 37 but the direction of rotation is unimportant. Figure 10 represents several possible embodiments of a propulsion device that differ in the type of magnet used and the orientation of the poles of magnetic elements 45 and magnetic segments 46. In one embodiment, magnetic elements

45 and magnetic segments 46 are permanent magnets and all magnetic segments

46 are oriented so that like poles (perhaps, all south) face toward magnetic elements 45. Magnetic elements 45 are oriented so that the poles facing magnetic segments 46 alternate north and south. As elastic cylinder 37 with the attached magnetic segments 46 rotate, magnetic segments 46 experience alternating push and pull forces as they turn past magnetic elements 45. The forces affecting magnetic segments 46 cause elastic cylinder 37 is compressed and stretched, causing rapid changes in energy density. There will therefore be a time averaged decrease in the mass of the portion of elastic cylinder 37 that is facing magnetic elements 45 at any time during the rotation period. Elastic cylinder 37 will experience a propulsive force in the direction opposite to the direction of magnetic elements 45. Arc 31 is physically attached by structure not shown to the motor that turns shaft 39 so all of figure 10 will be pulled to the left by the propulsive force.

A greater propulsive force can be achieved if magnetic elements 45 are electromagnets. As elastic cylinder 37 with the attached magnetic segments 46 rotate, a power source that is not shown causes each magnetic element 45 to develop a magnetic field that rapidly changes, causing the rate of push and pull movement of magnetic segments 46 to increase. The higher rate of push and pull creates a faster change in energy density in the right side of elastic cylinder 37 than if elements 45 were permanent magnets. The magnetic field produced by each magnetic element 45 is made to change in both magnitude and direction so that the changes in the energy density of the right side of elastic cylinder 37 can be as large and fast as possible. As, before, the change in energy density to the right of the center of elastic cylinder 37 causes a propulsive force to the left. Alternatively, magnetic segments 46 could be electromagnets that are caused to rapidly change the magnitude and direction of their magnetic field by an electric power source that is not shown. The changes to the magnetic fields of each magnetic segment 46 would be made in conjunction with the magnetic fields of each magnetic element 45 in order to make the changes in the energy density of the right side of elastic cylinder 37 as large and as fast as possible.

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows a cylinder with pockets 49 that is rotating rapidly. The rim of cylinder with pockets 49 is composed of many examples of a pocket 50. Each pocket 50 is separated from the nearest other pocket 50 by a partition 51. Pockets 50 are filled with an elastic material. The material could be a solid, a liquid or a gas. If a liquid or gas is used the top and bottom of each pocket 50 would be sealed by a wall that is not shown. A cap 52 that is attached to a piezoelectric element 48 makes up one wall of each pocket 50. A fill material 53 connects shaft 39 to caps 52 and piezoelectric elements 48. An electric motor that turns shaft 39 is not shown. Turning of shaft 39 causes cylinder with pockets 49 to rotate.

Electrical connections to piezoelectric elements 48 are not shown. When activated by an electric current, piezoelectric elements 48 cause caps 52 to move rapidly into and out of pockets 50, resulting in a periodic change in density of the elastic material. Rapid density changes cause the mass of the fluid to decrease. A propulsive force can be produced by activating only piezoelectric elements 48 in half of the rotating cylinder at any one time. If the intended direction of travel is to the right, then piezoelectric elements 48 should be activated while they are to the left of a centerline. Elastic material to the right of the centerline would be more massive than elastic material to the left so centrifugal force would be greatest to the right, producing a propulsive force.

It should be noted that the surface area of each cap 52 is greater than the surface area of piezoelectric element 48 that is in contact with it. The difference in surface area means that the action of piezoelectric element 48 causes a greater change in the volume of elastic material in each pocket 50 than if the smaller surface of piezoelectric element 48 were in direct contact with the elastic material. The distance that caps 52 move is very small. Instead of being free to move in pockets 50, each cap 52 could be a diaphragm, attached at the mouth of each pocket 50 that flexes in and out as piezoelectric element 48 moves it. In an alternative embodiment, the movement of caps 52 caused by piezoelectric elements 48 could be achieved by other means. Caps 52 could be made to move by something such as a solenoid or an electric motor.

Figure 12

Figure 12 shows a disk with magnetic particles 54 that is mounted on shaft 39. Disk with magnetic particles 54 is made of an elastic material and includes many particles that experience a force when exposed to a magnetic field. The magnetic particles (not shown) can be of any shape or size that would fit inside disk with magnetic particles 54. In order to feel a force from a magnetic field the particles could be ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic. Electric motor 30 turns shaft 39, which causes disk with magnetic particles 54 to rotate. A power source for electric motor 30 is not shown. An upper plate 55 is positioned above disk with magnetic particles 54. Upper plate 55 contains many examples of an electromagnet 34. A lower plate 56 is positioned below disk with magnetic particles 54 and also contains many examples of electromagnet 34. Upper plate 55 and lower plate 56 are supported by structure that is not connected to shaft 39. Electric energy for electromagnets 34 is supplied to upper plate 55 and lower plate 56 by electric power source 24.

As disk with magnetic particles 54 rotates, electromagnets 34 are caused to create a rapidly changing magnetic field that predominately passes into half of disk with magnetic particles 54. The magnetic field causes the magnetic particles to move small distances, up and down, within disk with magnetic particles 54. The movement of magnetic particles within disk with magnetic particles 54 causes the elastic material of disk with magnetic particles 54 to undergo stress. The stress causes a rapidly changing energy density for half of disk with magnetic particles 54, meaning there is a time averaged decrease in the mass of that half of disk with magnetic particles 54. If electromagnets 34 cause movement of magnetic particles within the right half of disk with magnetic particles 54, an unbalanced centrifugal force will cause a propulsive force to the left for disk with magnetic particles 54.

Electromagnets 34, in figure 13, are positioned above and below disk with magnetic particles 54. Electromagnets 34 could also be placed around the circumference of disk with magnetic particles 54. As before electromagnets 34 would cause a rapidly changing magnetic field that predominately affects half of disk with magnetic particles 54. Rotation through the rapidly changing magnetic field would cause a decrease in mass of that half of disk with magnetic particles 54, with the accompanying creation of a propulsive force.

Figure 13 In figure 13, a beam 57 is attached to drive shaft 39. A first variable mass device 58 is attached to one end of beam 57 while a second variable mass device 59 is attached to the other end of beam 57. Electric motor 30 causes drive shaft 39 to turn so that beam 57, first variable mass device 58 and second variable mass device 59 rotate. Both first variable mass device 58 and second variable mass device 59 can be any device, operating on the principles described above, which is caused to develop a time averaged mass that is lower than its rest mass. The propulsive force comes about because each variable mass device is given the electric current that causes the lower time averaged mass for half of its rotational period when it is in a position opposite to the intended direction of propulsion. The current is discontinued (mass equals rest mass) during the half of the rotational period that a variable mass device is in the intended direction of propulsion.

Figure 14

Figure 14 shows a method of generating electricity that employs the propulsive force produced by this invention. In figure 14, a first propulsion device 62 and a second propulsion device 63 are fixed to a turntable 60 that is attached to an electric generator shaft 61. Electric generator shaft 61 is connected to an electric generator 64. The internal structures of first propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 are not shown. First propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 could be propulsion devices as shown in figures 1 ,2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1, 12, or 13. The arrows shown on first propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 indicate the directions that first propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 would be propelled if they were not attached to turntable

60. The propulsive force due to first propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 causes turntable 60 and electric generator shaft 61 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The rotation of electric generator shaft 61 causes the generation of electricity by electric generator 64. The electricity generated by this invention can be used for any purpose that electricity produced by other means is used for.

First propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device 63 require electrical energy to operate. The electricity produced by electric generator 64 could be used to power first propulsion device 62 and second propulsion device

63.

It is not intended that the generation of electricity by this invention be limited to producing an electric current in a generator that uses a magnetic field.

The rotation of turntable 60 could be used to produce an electric current by other means, such as by the activation of piezoelectric elements.

The rotation of turntable 60 could be used for purposes other than the generation of electricity. Electric generator shaft 61 could be replaced by a shaft connected to any type of machinery that requires mechanical energy to operate.

Alternatively, teeth cut into the outer edge of turntable 60 would make turntable 60 a driving gear that could drive any type of machinery that requires mechanical energy to operate.

Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 - Enhancements

The rotational motion found in figure 14 would cause turntable 60 to behave like a gyroscope. This isn't a problem for a stationary electric power source but it would be a problem if the power source of figure 14 were in a moving vehicle. Any turning motion of the vehicle that was not in the plane of turntable 60 would cause unwelcome forces on the vehicle. Turntable 60 could be mounted in gimbals so that, as the vehicle changes direction, turntable 60 would be free to turn on any axis. All of the propulsion devices shown in figures 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,

12 and 13 engage in rapid rotation. If any of these devices provided the propulsive force for a vehicle, there would be gyroscopic forces that could have an adverse effect on the ability to control the vehicle's direction of travel. Mounting these propulsion devices in gimbals would limit the unwanted effects. The propulsion devices described above made use of cylinders and a disk.

The terms cylinder and disk can be used interchangeably. A disk is a flattened cylinder. The stress caused by mechanical and magnetic forces in figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 act perpendicularly to the long axis of the cylinder. Propulsive force would also be created if stress is appropriately induced at the top and bottom faces of the cylinders as is done in figure 7.

The stress used to produce a decrease in mass in figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 is due to a magnetic field or physical pressure. Other means of causing stress in a rotating object are possible.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention

While the above descriptions contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the invention, but rather as examples of embodiments of this invention. Other variations are possible. For example, the propulsive force provided by this invention need not cause motion of an object it is attached to but might work against another force, such as the force of gravity, to slow the motion of an object or to hold an object in place. While the descriptions of the figures included rotational motion of a physical object, any motion that is not in a straight line will create the centrifugal force that is necessary for propulsion in this invention. Also, the propulsion devices described above make use of cylinders and disks. The terms cylinder and disk can be used interchangeably. A disk is a flattened cylinder.

Accordingly; the scope of the invention should not be determined by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

I claim:

Claims

1. A device for producing a propulsive force, comprising; a moving material, which changes its direction of travel, and an energy density altering means, which alters the energy density of said moving material in such a way that the mass of said moving material is altered in conjunction with changes in the direction of travel of said moving material whereby a propulsive force is created that acts on said moving material.

2. A device as in claim 1 in which said moving material is substantially composed of a dielectric material.

3. A device as in claim 1 in which said moving material is substantially composed of a magnetic material.

4. A device as in claim 1 in which said energy density altering means is an electric field creating means, which creates an electric field that decreases the mass of a portion of said moving material whereby a propulsive force is caused to act on said moving material.

5. A device as in claim 1 in which said energy density altering means is a magnetic field creating means, which creates a magnetic field that decreases the mass of a portion of said moving material whereby a propulsive is caused to act on said moving material.

6. A device as in claim 1 in which said moving material is substantially elastic.

7. A device as in claim 1 in which said moving material is in substantially rotational motion.

8. A device as in claim 1 in which said energy density altering means is a stress causing means, whereby stress is applied to said moving material in such a way as to cause a portion of the mass of said moving material to be altered.

9. A device as in claim 8 in which said stress causing means is electromagnetic, whereby an electric field or a magnetic field or electromagnetic radiation causes an element, included within said moving material, to apply a stress to said moving material in such a way as to cause a portion of the mass of said moving material to be altered.

10. A device as in claim 8 in which said stress causing means is electromagnetic, whereby an electric field or a magnetic field or electromagnetic radiation causes said moving material to experience a stress in such a way as to cause a portion of the mass of said moving material to be altered.

11. A device as in claim 1 in which said moving material is substantially cylindrical.

12. A device as in claim 1 in which said energy density altering means includes a piece that comes into physical contact with said moving material and is substantially composed of a material that is substantially less elastic than said moving material.

13. A device as in claim 1 including an electric generating means which converts kinetic energy derived from said propulsive force into electrical energy, which can be used to power an electrical device.

14. A device as in claim 13 in which the electrical energy produced is substantially the energy source for the operation of said energy density altering means.

15. A device as in claim 13 in which the electrical energy produced is substantially the energy source for causing the motion of said moving material.

16. A device as in claim 1 in which said propulsive force is employed to propel an object, which could be a vehicle.

17. A device as in claim 1 in which said propulsive force is employed to cause rotational motion.

18. A device as in claim 1 in which said propulsive force is employed to alter or maintain an object's kinetic energy.

19. A device as in claim 7 in which said moving material is mounted so as to allow substantially free rotation in a direction other than in the plane of rotation of said moving material.